(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVnSFj6XQZY)

While looking through the reading I had a few questions that I thought would be interesting as discussion questions. I also wanted to post a song for the day as I felt it fit with the tradition of the Benedictine Abbey using music in prayer & chant derived, in part, from Gregorian Chanting.

The song chosen was ‘Reborn’ by Colin Stetson from the film Hereditary. The song has many different calming notes with some Gregorian Chanting featured in the track.

I also wanted to discuss the concept of ‘justice as currency’, a theme that seems prevalent in the readings we have had (especially in ‘The Republic’) and now with the concepts of sustainability and living consciously of the earth with those of the Benedictine Abbey of Christ in the Desert. Does justice work as a currency to motivate those in a utopia to continue operating calmly and legally? Would we still operate justly if it did not mean that we would receive recognition? Would we still be the best people that we could be without a type of ‘recognition’? (‘Recognition’ in this case could be community, career, or esteem).

Would we live justly if there was nothing to gain from it? Are we innately just? If we aren’t, how does injustice happen?

Some of my questions are pretty heavy and obviously they can’t be solved within one class sitting, but I loved reading about the lifestyle and commitments of those in the Benedictine Abbey who have wholeheartedly pledged themselves to a beautiful (and sustainable) cause that hurts no one and benefits the Earth.